HRC Newsletter July 2010
Dear Members,
Well we are now into summer and so far we have had a right mixed bag of weather. Let’s
hope that we will have a good day for the Barbeque on Sunday 11th July at Oakamoor. I
understand that there will be a big tent for cover. Details are in the April Newsletter.
We had a fine day for the first section of the Cotswold Way. The attractive villages and
relatively gentle scenery were enjoyed by everybody. The coach was fully booked with a
waiting list, so for the next section in September get your bookings in early to avoid
disappointment. This also applies to the Pie and Pea Supper. Details of both are enclosed.
Also enclosed are details of an Autumn 5 day holiday in Tenby and a weekend at Howarth
Youth Hostel and provisional details of a spring holiday in Grange over Sands. Note details
also of a linear A walk using public transport.
The Winter Walks programme is now being arranged. The compilers would welcome offers
of leadership. The A & B walks are being arranged by John Butler, C walks by Nigel Shaw,
D walks by John Brereton and Thursday walks by Bill Locker. Now is the opportunity for
new leaders to come forward and use the knowledge gained from the Maps and Compass
Training. As usual, dates quickly get booked so if you have a date or venue in mind please
contact the relevant compiler promptly. For general comments or questions on the Walk
Programme overall please contact Ashley Steadman, Walks Coordinator.
We welcome the following new members:
Eileen Walker of Hemel Hempstead,
Norman Hiles of Newcastle,
Peter and Sheila Jackson of Cheadle,
Frances Biddulph of Hartshill
Carole Clayton of Newcastle.
We look forward to seeing you on walks and other events.
Viking Rubber Boots
Any member interested in purchasing these can now order them from the following web site
www.thedrybootcompany.com. The retail price has been kept to £49.99.
Finally a reminder to those who have forgotten that subs require to be paid.
Allan Wells (Editor)
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Please inform the Membership Secretary, Bill Finney, of any changes of postal and/or email addresses.
CHANGES TO THE PROGRAMME
Sunday 4th July walk will be Alport Castles and not Bradfield
Sunday 18 July C leader will be Peter Gannon
Saturday 31 July Morcambe Bay Crossing meeting point is High Carr Business Park
Grid Ref SJ 837508.
Thursday 9 September leader will be Bill Finney
. MORCAMBE BAY CROSSING SATURDAY 31st JULY 2010
Full details of this unusual event are in the April Newsletter. This is a reminder to get your
bookings in as at the time of going to print there were only 4 seats left on the coach. I did the
crossing when the Club did it last and was amazed at the numbers of people doing the
crossing. There were literally hundreds. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience so get your
bookings in as soon as possible to Peter Johnson.
PIE AND PEA SUPPER TUESDAY 3rd AUGUST 2010
This year the Pie and Pea Supper will be held at the Butcher Arms, Church Street, Audley.
A short walk led by John Brereton will start at 6.45 pm. from the car park at the rear of the
Audley Community Centre which is also in Church Street - Map Ref: SJ 799508.
There will be three types of pie available - Steak and Ale, Chicken and Vegetarian. All served
with chips and mushy peas.
The cost of each meal will be £5.50p. Please complete the booking form in this Newsletter
stating your meal preference and send it to John Brereton with remittance. There is only
accommodation for 50 people so book early to avoid disappointment.
BADMINTON & KEEP FIT SESSIONS
EVERY WEDNESDAY 9.30AM TO 11.00 AM
Every Wednesday morning a number of us Hanliensians enjoy trying to keep fit at the Fenton
Manor Sports Complex. We have very short sessions of stretching at the start and finish and
then for most of the time we play badminton.
As I have found, you do not have to be very proficient to enjoy this game. The better players
are very tolerant with players like me, so I would recommend members to come along
because I am sure that you will enjoy it. It is only £1.70 and that includes a free tea or coffee
which we sup whilst having a chat. As an added bonus Peter Johnson every now and then
organises a lunch after the session. The last time 17 of us went to the Cauldon College
Atrium restaurant where we enjoyed a very nice meal in nice surroundings. Thanks Peter for
organising these sessions and meals.
Allan Wells
A WALK USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT
DANE VALLEY WAY BURBAGE TO RUSHTON SPENCER
SATURDAY 11th SEPTEMBER 2010
This walk is a variation of the point to point walks between Buxton and Leek that the Club
have undertaken at intervals over the last few years.
The Dane Valley Way (DVW) is a 40-mile route that the title suggests follows the River
Dane from close to its source on Axe Edge to the point at which the river joins the River
Wheelock at Middlewich. The A walk will cover a 14 mile section of the DVW from
Burbage, a suburb of Buxton, to Rushton Spencer. In the process we will take in the Terret,
Axe Edge Moor, Reeve-edge, and Danebower Quarries, Three Shire Heads, Turn Edge,
Gradbach and Danebridge.
We will travel from Leek to Burbage on the 118 D&G Bus “The Buxton Flyer”. The return
to Leek from Ruston Spencer will be on the 108 Clowes Bus. Travel to and from Leek can
either be by bus or car depending on people’s preference. Public transport from Hanley will
be on the 118 D&G Bus pick up details as follows:
Hanley (depart): 7.45
Milton Crossroads (depart): 7.52
Badderley Green Crossroads (depart): 7.56
Endon Fountain (depart): 8.00
Leek (depart): 8.20
Burbage (arrive): 8.45
The return service, 108 Clowes Bus, will depart Rushton Spencer 16.50. Once back in Leek,
a frequent service back to Hanley is available.
It is hoped we will have time for a Pub Stop en-route but walkers should bring adequate food
and drink. The public transport details are based on the current time table and may therefore
be subject to change between the publication of this article and the date of the walk. If the
times do change the revised arrangements will be posted on the “Stop Press” section of the
Club website.
It will be useful to have some indication of the numbers of people intending to do the walk in
advance of the day and members are requested to let Ashley Steadman know
COTSWOLD WAY COACH RAMBLE
SUNDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2010
We continue the Cotswold Way with the second stage of the 102 miles long route between
Chipping Campden and Bath. A map of the whole Way showing the villages and towns that
will be passed is on the opposite page. This can be used to show our progress.
We will again use Challinor’s executive coach which will pick up at Blackfriars Road,
Newcastle (rear of Morrisons) at 7.45 am. The coach fare will be £10.50 per person.
Three walks will be arranged starting at different points along the way and all ending at
Cleeve Hill where we will hold the picnic before we return.
Mike Everill will lead the A walk starting near Wood Stanway, repeating the climb to
Stumps Cross, continuing on the Way past the Beckbury Camp Hill Fort to Hailes village.
We will take a hostelry stop in the ancient Saxon borough town of Winchcombe, once the
capital of the kingdom of Mercia. (6.5 miles). We then climb the ridge to the south of
Winchcombe with fine views over the town, pass the Belas Knap long barrow and Postlip
Hall to Cleeve Hill Golf Club (13.5 miles).
John Brereton will lead the C walk along the same route from Winchcombe to the licensed
Cleeve Hill Golf Club for the lunch break. A further climb brings us to the top of Cleeve
Hill, the highest point on the Cotswold Way, with glorious views and on to Cleeve Cloud to
the iron age hill fort before dropping down to the coach via Castle Rock (9 miles).
Dave Hollins will lead the D walk, spending some time in Winchcombe before following the
same route to the licensed Cleeve Hill Golf Club (6 miles). All three walks will end in the
same location so each will be able to access the coach and start their picnic as convenient. We
aim to leave at about 6 pm to arrive back in Newcastle before 9 pm.
Walking boots or stout shoes, waterproofs and food and drink are required for the walks.
You will also need a change of clothing to leave on the coach in case of bad weather, and a
picnic evening meal.
Please complete the Booking Form in the newsletter and send to Ashley Steadman with
remittance.
AUTUMN HOLIDAY
SATURDAY 2nd TO WEDNESDAY 6th OCTOBER
This year’s autumn holiday is to be held at the Cliffe Norton Hotel in Tenby, Wales. Situated
on the sea front above lush cliff gardens it enjoys panoramic views across the bay to Tenby’s
Fishing Harbour. Its excellent position equally lends itself for exploring the Medieval/Tudor
town of Tenby just 2 minutes walk away. For walking there is the beautiful Pembrokeshire
coast path as well as nice walking inland. There will be walks suitable for all grades making
this an excellent location for the Clubs Autumn break.
The price per person for en-suite double rooms and twin rooms is £140.00. For en-suite
single rooms the price is £150.00. A non-refundable deposit of £20 per person is required.
Please fill in the Booking Form at the end of the newsletter and send to Margaret Bailey.
HOWARTH YOUTH HOSTEL
WEEKEND 1st - 3rd OCTOBER 2010
This autumn’s Youth Hostel visit takes us to the south Pennine village of Haworth, famous
for its association with the Brontë sisters of Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre fame. The
Youth Hostel is an old Victorian mansion and overlooks the charming houses and cobbled
streets of Haworth Village.
There will be planned walks at grades A & B; any offers to help leading walks for these
grades or any other grades of walk would be welcome. Cycle hire is also available from this
Youth Hostel. If you are interested please indicate on the booking form and Bernard will find
out more about this service.
Self catering facilities are available for those who wish and there are other food alternatives
nearby. For those eating ‘in’, this hostel does have a table license. Haworth has 2 two
bedded rooms at £15.95 per person per night; please let me know early if you are interested in
one of these rooms.
Please complete the Booking Form in this Newsletter and return it to Bernard Heath with
your remittance BY THE 4 AUGUST 2010.
SPRING HOLIDAY
MONDAY 4th APRIL 2011
A date to put in your diaries. Next years mid-week Spring Holiday is to be at the Cumbria
Grand Hotel, Grange over Sands. The price for 4 night’s half board will be about £152.00 per
person. This is to be confirmed.
Peter Johnson
ELTERWATER YH WEEKEND 9th TO 11th APRIL 2010
I was very hopeful when the weather forecasters predicted a fine and sunny weekend and
they did not let us down!
On Friday Paul, Vanda, Marion and I set off early to Elterwater to be joined by Liz and
Margaret for a lovely walk of approximately 10 km which certainly gave us a taster for the
weekend to come. We took in Lingmoor Fell and Little Langdale Tarn and met up later with
Bernard, Phil and Anne.
The original intention had been for all 12 party members to eat in the pub on Friday evening.
This had to be abandoned however, because the good weather meant the Lakes were the place
to be that weekend and the Britannia Inn was full! Still the majority of us enjoyed a meal
back at the YH and Margaret and Liz had a fish & chip supper.
Saturday was as sunny as promised and we drove to Old Dungeon Ghyll to start a classic
Lakeland walk to Crinkle Crags and Bowfell. I managed a scramble up “Bad Step” with
some assistance! It was a fantastic day and we had wonderful views over to Blencathra and
Skiddaw from the top of Bowfell. A long descent meant we just made it in time for dinner at
the Youth Hostel, but a very satisfying day was had by all.
On Sunday we returned to Old Dungeon Ghyll to start our ascent to Harrison Stickle with a
welcome break at Stickle Tarn along the way. We enjoyed the views from Harrison Stickle
before moving along the ridge to Pavey Ark. I had not climbed the Langdale Pikes before so
it was an added bonus when a small group of us diverted to take in Pike O’Stickle before
returning to Dungeon Ghyll and our journeys home.
A brilliant weekend and thanks to Bernard for organising it, especially the weather!
Kath Moran
ONE MEMBER’S CHALLENGES
A long standing member of the Club, Ron Scholes, is to set off on another challenge walk.
Starting on the 23rd June he is to walk 426 miles from Sheringham on the Norfolk coast
across the Pennines to finish at Hadrian's Wall in the village of Greenhead, West
Northumberland. He hopes to cover an average of 12 miles a day to cover the 426-mile
challenge by July 28. He has invited local churches to raise money for their own causes
through sponsorship.
Ron has been a member of the Club since 1947. Shortly after his retirement in 1989 he
completed a walk from Cape Wrath, the most northerly point in Scotland, to Lands End using
recognised long distance paths. Five years ago he completed a 625 mile walk from the Isle of
Wight to Anglesey in five weeks. We wish you all the best on your next challenge Ron.
LYMESTONE BREWERY VISIT WEDNESDAY 12th MAY 2010
Twenty club members gathered for this event in Stone.
The building that houses the Lymestone Brewery used to be part of the old Bents Brewery
and the site dates back to 1889. The reopening of a Brewery on the site therefore represents a
return of Brewing to Stone as the two original Breweries in Stone, Bents and Joules both
closed in the 1970's.
The Head Brewer/Owner Ian Bradford, who used to be the Head Brewer at the Titanic
Brewery in Burslem, was our guide and mentor for the evening. After we had all "pulled a
pint" for ourselves he described the ingredient's that go to make a decent pint of beer and how
these are manipulated to create the various "beer styles" like Bitter or Mild. After further
liquid refreshment he showed us the various pieces of Brewing Equipment like the
Fermenting Tanks and what part they played in the Brewing process.
We finished with some food in the shape of a large bowl of homemade Beef and Ale Stew
washed down with yet more beer. A good time was had by one and all and I am now the
proud owner of an A4 sized framed certificate that confirms that I can indeed organise a
p***-up in a Brewery
MAP AND COMPASS AND MUCH MORE TRAINING
SUNDAY 16th MAY 2010
Sixteen intrepid would-be walk leaders met at Barlaston on a bright Sunday morning; joined
by eight experienced walk leaders. Soon we set off with map & compass in hand & before
long we were on the Downs enjoying the lovely country side. We learnt so much, how to
read the map looking for contour lines, pylons, overhead cables, rivers, streams, footpaths,
bridle paths & much much more.
The most difficult part was trying to take a compass reading. Bill showed us how to place the
compass onto the map, line it up correctly & head off in the right direction. At first we got it
totally wrong but with a great deal of patience & a lot of laughs we finally grasped it! To
prove we had done a really good job we arrived back at the starting point in good time!
A huge thank you to Bill Finney for organizing this event along with the other leaders.
No excuses now - with a little practice we should all try to lead a walk in the future.
Happy walking.
Sue & Kate
DOUBLE A WALK BRIDGES YH WEEKEND 22/23 MAY 2010
We set off down the road to Shrewsbury, 2 cars in convoy. Travelling into another world of
green and more green. One hour and 20 minutes and no tractors later, Mike and Bernard
were comparing parking skills in the back streets of Craven Arms. Boots on, next stop the
music playing lavatories before setting off over pastures and through woods for 2 hours
before our best climb of the day. Up and over the southern end of the Longmynd we
marched. After a well earned break flaked out in the sunshine, we strolled the Longmynd,
watching the buzzards gliding and gliders soaring. It was a hot day and thoughts were
already turning to the chances of a cool beer at the end of the walk - which duly materialised
sooner rather than later.
The youth hostel was a quaint historic building with lovely gardens and an enormous slide
with a notice declaring that “the hostel would not be responsible of any deaths resulting from
the use of this equipment”! Undaunted Vanda took up the challenge and according to reports
flew down and shot off the end! The 3-course, home grown and home cooked dinner was
remarkably good. The warden found time from her many duties to warn of the entertainment
being laid on in the local hostelry. She jokingly described them as “pub emptiers” and she
was right!
Sunday we set off early after a good breakfast to traverse the Longmynd. It was another hot
day and the walk off the Mynd down to Church Stretton in the breeze was most enjoyable.
Here we collected John Critchlow who joined us just in time for the hardest ascent of the
weekend.
As we climbed out of pretty Church Stretton, Ragleth Hill suddenly loomed in front of us.
Up and up we plodded through quiet bluebell woods, expecting the summit at every turn.
Once up, the views – the Longmynd, the Stiperstones and Caer Caradoc were superb and the
breeze on the top of Hill was very welcome. Then it was down again for lunch at the Green
Dragon in Little Stretton. Refreshed we made our way through shady woodlands and sunny
farmland back to Craven Arms.
Thank you to Phil for well led walks and to Bernard for organising an extremely pleasant and
companionable weekend in the Shropshire hills.
David Dilling
COTSWOLD WAY CHARITY CHALLENGE
I would like to give a Big Big thanks to all the Sponsors for the above trek that I did on one
of the hottest weekends this year for the Break Through Breast Cancer Charity. I did it! I did
it! Thanks again.
Jenny McRae
Congratulations to Jenny!
SUMMER HAS ARRIVED
PIPES IN THE PEAK CONCERT SATURDAY 5th JUNE 2010
An evening full of entertainment and a warm temperature too! The golden age of music was
recreated at the Dovedale Garage, Thorpe by Christian Cartwright, resident organist and the
17 piece Ockbrook Big Band accompanied by two vocalists.
As the Compton cinema organ console rose to stage level in a rainbow of colour we were
entertained with tributes from the 40’s and 60’s era through to big band/ swing and jazz.
With beer on tap, enjoyable music and a warm evening — summer has arrived!
Jean Challinor
CLUB WEB SITE
Any member with a computer can gain access to masses of information regarding, not only
the Club, but also walking in general. It really is an excellent site and is worth a visit if you
have not done so yet. It is a credit to Mike Everill our Web Master.